So that we don't trust ourselves - 1 Corinthian 1-3

In this fine book Paul begins by given us a small, but powerful look into his earthly ministry. He wants his readers to know that he has been at the point of suffering and even the point of death. In chapter one we read that Paul "despaired, even of life" (1:8-9). Paul has been to the point of exhaustion in ministry. It is hard to believe that we today can complain about "all we have to do" when we can order on line material goods Paul would never dream of. We can go places so fast Paul would have nightmares just thinking about it. Paul had to deal with such hardships we can only imagine. Yet, his situation was like ours today and for the same purposes: God allows hardships in our lives so that we do not trust in ourselves and we can fully know the power of God; who raises the dead (1 Cor. 1:10). We are so likely to trust in our talents, knowledge or resources when God wants us to lean fully on Him. We are so likely to take credit for good things when God so much wants us to praise Him. We are so likely to want to try to fix it ourselves when God so much is the only One who can. We are to trust in Him and He allows hardships to allow us to see His power ... The power of the Resurrection. It all comes down to the Resurrection. As I write this blog it it is Easter Sunday morning. It is Resurrection Sunday. Mary goes to the tomb to prepare Jesus further for death and instead she discovers Life ... Resurrection Life. The next time you are overwhelmed or outmatched or outnumbered, remember the Resurrection and the power behind it. God overcame death, the greatest power know to man. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.